Every time I have to go to the mall, I struggle with temptation – if I go in one side of the mall, I am greeted with the beckoning smell of Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls – and if I go in the other side – Delicious Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels!

Now that I have perfect recipes to make both of these decadent treats at home, I had to share them with you!

I’m not a huge fan of movie theatres, I prefer to get cozy on the couch for my movies, and now that I can make these soft pretzels at home there is nothing I am missing out on!

These cinnamon sugar pretzels are that perfect balance of savory and sweet with a chewy dough that you really have to rip into. While they are still delicious 3 days after baking, you need to enjoy at least one (or three) shortly after making. Trust me.

Now, if you’re at all intimidated by the thought of making homemade pretzels, don’t be! The dough is super easy to make, and though it looks complicated to twist them into the right shape, it is actually super easy and I even made a quick video with my friend to show you how to do it. Once you fold a perfect pretzel once or twice, you’ll realize just how easy it is.

Then, just dip in a baking soda-water solution, bake for 4-6 minutes and then dip in butter and your preferred toppings.

You can use this method to make butter-salt pretzels, cheesy pretzels, or just about any other flavor combination you like. I love that the same dough can turn out lots of different pretzel flavors with very little extra effort so you can customize them to each family member’s preference – I love cinnamon sugar while my daughter prefers a butter and salt pretzel. I still dip hers in butter and then just sprinkle with large flakes of salt (like Maldon Sea Salt).

Ingredients for Easy Homemade Pretzels

• 1 1/4 cups hot water (not boiling)
• 1 tablespoon yeast
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 cups bread flour
• 2 cups flour
• Before baking dip: 1/2 cup baking soda, into 3 cups hot water
• After baking dip: 1/2 cup melted butter
• Cinnamon-sugar coating: 1/2 cup white sugar PLUS 1/4 cup cinnamon

Tip: swap out the cinnamon-sugar for your preferred pretzel flavoring. Popcorn seasoning, salt, or cheese are great options.

Kitchen Tools You May Find Helpful

• Large mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Dough cutter
• Cookie sheet
• Silicone baking mat
• Cooling racks

How to Make Soft Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels

Measure out hot (but not boiling) water into a large bowl. Add in the yeast and 1 Tablespoon sugar and let bubble.

Next, add remaining sugar and flours. Mix well then cover with a clean kitchen towel and let rise.

After 30-40 minutes, the dough should be doubled. Fold out onto a floured surface and cut into 1 cup balls.

Roll the dough into long ropes and shape into pretzels – first, form a “U-shape” then twist the two sides around each other twice in the middle. Pull the two ends of the rope back to the curved end to form your pretzel then pinch to connect the dough.

Preheat your oven to 500F.

Prepare your baking soda solution and dip each pretzel into it before placing on a silicone mat- or parchment paper-lined baking sheet.

Bake the pretzels for 4-6 minutes until golden brown, watching carefully as you melt the butter and combine the cinnamon sugar coating.

Dip the pretzels into the butter while still hot and then roll in the cinnamon sugar coating.

Place on a cooling rack until cool and dry. (You may want to put a tray or paper towel under the cooling racks to catch any drips of butter.)

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What is your favorite fast food or food court indulgence? Leave me a comment and I’ll add it to my list to perfect a homemade version of!

For more homemade treats that are better than the food court, check out our Copycat Cinnabuns or our 50+ Copycat Starbucks Recipes.